ovo je / to je

Introducing or Identifying Something

Level 1

Ovo je and to je introduce or identify a referent. In this structure, ovo does not simply copy the gender of the noun that follows.

How It Works

Ovo je knjiga. presents something as a book. To je moj prijatelj. identifies a person. The initial demonstrative stands as a pointing expression, followed by the linking verb and the identifying phrase.

Keep this separate from a demonstrative placed directly before a noun: Ova knjiga je moja. has ova agreeing with knjiga. Replacing ovo with ova in every introduction would mix two structures.

The linking verb also responds to number in common plural identifications: Ovo su moje knjige. Do not keep je automatically when the identification is plural.

Examples (3)

  1. Ovo je moja sestra.

    This is my sister.

    Ovo introduces an identity rather than directly modifying sestra.

  2. To je moj prijatelj.

    That is my friend.

    To points to the person being identified.

  3. Ovo su moje knjige.

    These are my books.

    The plural identification uses su.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

ovo je / to jeLevel 1Introducing or Identifying Something

Learn This First

The identifying phrase uses the present linking verb and introduces fixed ovo/to.

Words in This Pattern

tajbiti